On 4 August the Minister for Levelling Up and the Minister for Enterprise, Markets and Small Business sent a joint letter to LEP chairs, combined authority mayors, local authority leaders and the Mayor of London, confirming the government’s decision to withdraw government funding for LEPs from April 2024 and transfer their functions – namely, business representation, strategic economic planning, and the delivery of government programmes - to local and combined authorities.
The Government notes that some LEPs may choose to continue operations without core funding, either until a devolution deal is agreed for their area or in perpetuity and states that where an upper tier local authority or authorities wish to continue using the LEP as a vehicle to continue delivery of these core functions, or if they wish in due course to pursue integration of a LEP, they are free to do so – the nature and status of such arrangements are a decision for them to make.
The LEP Network is working to 1) ensure we support all our stakeholders and partners to manage the transition of LEP functions to local democratic institutions as smoothly and effectively as possible and 2) work with those LEPs where it is decided locally to retain them in some form.
The LEP Network Ltd is a not-for-profit company limited by guarantee, governed by LEP Chairs who volunteer their time. They are responsible for the strategic direction and policy of the LEP Network, finances, operational actions, and signing off annual audited accounts; and confirming procurement procedures. To view our Terms of Reference, Operations Plan, and Audited Accounts, please click here.
The LEP Network Board meet throughout the year and set the overall policy direction and strategy for LEPs. For agendas and minutes of these meetings, please click here.
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Chief Executive, Mark@lepnetwork.net
Mark Livesey joined the LEP Network in December 2019 from Cheshire and Warrington LEP, where he held the joint role of Chief Executive Marketing Cheshire and Deputy Chief Executive Cheshire and Warrington LEP. Mark joined the LEP in July 2016 from the Department for Communities and Local Government. His civil service career included serving as the Private Secretary to the Leader of the House of Lords and successive housing and planning ministers. During his civil service career, Mark was also responsible for Coastal Communities, High Streets and Town Centres, during which time he set up and launched the Great British Coast brand, the Great British High Street brand and launched the national Great British High Streets competition. Mark currently sits on the Board of the Institute of Economic Development and on the Community Board of the Digital Poverty Alliance.
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Communications Manager, Mike@lepnetwork.net
Mike took up the role of Communications Manager in July 2015.
Prior to this Mike worked for FTSE 100 business Babcock International Group as their PR and Public Affairs Manager working in the Support Services Division with a particular focus on their skills and learning business. Previous to this Mike worked in corporate communications for Centrica plc and BAE Systems.
Mike's communications experience includes working for BBC News , including a stint as political researcher with BBC Westminster, and working in government communications as press secretary for the energy minister, Home Secretary, and International Trade Minister.
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Office Manager, jayne@lepnetwork.net
Jayne joined the LEP Network in June 2015.
Her background is in marketing communications, event management and providing business support at a senior level.
She has worked for large corporates and SMEs and in a variety of industry sectors including, training, market research, digital print, automotive, IT services, recruitment, financial services and construction.
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Policy Manager, natasha@lepnetwork.net
Natasha joined the LEP Network as Policy Manager in January 2023 following working at New Anglia LEP for over 5 years. There she was the Skills Manager working with education providers in Norfolk and Suffolk and many stakeholders including the local authorities, DWP, business intermediaries and the third sector. She established the apprenticeship levy transfer scheme and Skills Bootcamps for the LEP plus provided the secretariat for the Skills Advisory Panel and a number of sector skills groups.
Natasha has worked in land-based Further Education colleges for over 15 years and roles driving apprenticeship uptake and career inspiration. She has developed academic curriculum and undertook external examining roles throughout the country.
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